States

Bill Challenging Common Core Rejected by Louisiana Lawmakers

By Andrew Ujifusa — April 03, 2014 1 min read
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A lot of common-core watchers have been closely following Oklahoma during the last several days to see the progress of a bill that would require the state to adopt a new set of standards and void its 2010 adoption of the standards. Although many states have considered bills challenging the common core this year, Oklahoma could become just the second to nullify its common-core adoption. That legislation is relatively close to reaching the desk of GOP Gov. Mary Fallin, a common-core supporter. But a similar push against the standards in Louisiana was stopped cold yesterday, even though the effort had the support of fellow Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Pelican State lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted 12-7 against House Bill 381, which would have required the state to assemble a panel of various officials to adopt a new set of standards, replacing the state’s decision to adopt the common core back in 2010.

Although Jindal has previously been a public supporter of the common core, the Times-Picayune reported that Jindal back this bill. Keep in mind, not unlike the Oklahoma legislation and the new Indiana law, the Louisiana bill wouldn’t have outright banned the implementation of the common core. Although it would have required the state to initially revert to its pre-common-core standards before the consideration and adoption of its new standards, in theory, nothing would have prevented the state from eventually readopting large portions of the common core itself. (There was similar legislation cross-filed in the Louisiana Senate.)

The legislation’s sponsor, GOP Rep. Brett Geymann, said that he introduced the bill because many Louisianans felt like they didn’t “have a seat at the table” when the standards were being developed.

But Louisiana schools Superintendent John White, who’s been a steadfast common-core supporter, said he thought the bill was pointless: ""How does this bill help the children of the state of Louisiana? I have to tell you, I have yet to hear a good response to that question.”

As the Times-Picayune reported, Jindal’s support for the anti-common-core bill was clear, but not particularly vocal. He didn’t explain his support, and his press shop stonewalled inquiries as to the reason for it.

A version of this news article first appeared in the State EdWatch blog.